Big Eden
Arye Gross plays an up-and-coming artist who foregoes the convenience of big-city life for the charms of Montana in this drama, writer-director Thomas Bezucha's debut feature. On the eve of his first show at the Whitney Museum, Henry (Gross) hears news that his grandfather back home has had a stroke. Upon returning to his idyllic birthplace, however, Henry realizes that the old man isn't the only thing he has to tend to: There's the semi-closeted issue of his sexuality, which he longs to reveal to his clan -- as well as to his old high-school crush, Dean (Tim DeKay). Amidst all the angst, Henry fails to notice the advances of the sensitive Pike (Eric Schweig), an espresso-brewing outdoorsman who owns the town's general store and cooks meals for the stroke-addled grandpa Sam (George Coe).
Director: Thomas Pezucha
Starring: Ayre Gross, Eric Schweig, Tim DeKay, Louise Fletcher, George Coe
The key to success: The audience must really like both characters and believe that they deserve a fairy-tale ending. That's definitely the case in this nicely acted love story.
It's a refreshing alternative to hipper-than-thou moviemaking.
But it's more than a crowd-pleaser shot at spectacular Rocky mountain locations -- it's almost revolutionary.
It's unlikely that the whole cowboy town would really applaud all the queer goings-on, but it's a lovely sentiment in a lovely movie.
An accomplished heart-tugger, a serious romantic comedy that tackles two dilemmas with honesty and compassion.
Thomas Bezucha
Cleveland International Film Festival (2001)
Best Narrative Feature
Florida Film Festival (2001)
Outstanding Film - Limited Release
GLAAD Media Awards (2002)
Outstanding Narrative Feature
L.A. Outfest (2000)
Best Fiction Feature
Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (2001)
No lists